Posts

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

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I am currently wrapping up my Integrating Technology (EDU 766) course. Initially, I was wary of taking the course. I had to create a blog and a website, and it sounded very difficult. I knew how to navigate social media, but I was not confident in my blogging or website designing skills. This course taught me a lot about educational technology- and I was able to successfully create a blog and website. I am very proud of my blog and website, and I have shared the links with a few friends and family members. Here is my website . Image from giphy.com My understanding of educational technology before this course was limited. I thought educational technology focused on using Smartboards and iPads. However, it delves into websites, web tools, and assistive technology. We researched web tools, new learning strategies, digital tattoos, social media, professional learning networks, and digital spaces among other things. Some of my greatest takeaways... I loved learning about flip...
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Social Media in the Classroom

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Image from freedomforuminstitute.org Should teachers use social media in the classroom? And if yes, how? I believe social media could be a useful, engaging tool to use in the classroom. Since it is a relatively new tool, it may seem difficult to figure out how to use it effectively. Teachthought posted this article about how to safely and effectively use social media in the classroom.  Image from TeachThought I would like to teach early elementary special education. A few of these suggestions are too far-reaching for a majority of that population. However, there are a few ideas that stood out to me: Creating a classroom Facebook page or blog to update parents about events and assignments Creating a classroom Pinterest page to share student work while still displaying it in the classroom Posting "top submission" or "top story" of the week to a blog in order to create a sense of achievement and motivation While a majority of my students woul...
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Digital Tattoos

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I have three tattoos on my body. Two of the tattoos are very small and are meaningful to me. I put thought into the design and placement. I had one done with my sister, and the other was done the day I graduated college. The third tattoo is another story though... It was an impulsive decision that I regretted less than a month after it healed. I'm currently 7 months into tattoo removal for the large, colorful doodle I have on my hip (only 7 more months to go). Tattoo removal is a painful and very expensive process. I wish I never went to the tattoo parlor for that third tattoo. I could have saved myself time, money, and effort. Our digital presence, or digital tattoos , are very similar to body tattoos. We share content that we like whether it's creative, expressive, religious, a tribute, or medical. This information can be public or private depending on settings. Once we've made a decision to share something, it can be very difficult to erase its existence regardless of...
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My New Favorite Web Tool- PBS Learning Media

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I was asked to explore a new web tool this week for my Educational Technology course. I visited the Open Education Database's List of  101 Web 2.0 Teaching Tools.  I would like to share a little information about one of my new favorite tools that was on the list- PBS Learning Media . PBS Learning Media provides videos, games, photos, and lesson plans for teachers...and it's 100% free. The videos and lessons plans are aligned with Common Core State Standards, and they provide supplemental activities and discussion questions that support the standards. Image from Common Sense Media I've embedded a video of myself exploring the website, but I'd recommend checking it out yourself. It's very easy to navigate, and the search features are excellent.  What's your favorite web tool?
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Professional Learning Networks

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This past month I've worked on developing my online professional learning network- or my community of fellow educators. I have created this blog, a website, and a professional twitter account in order to connect and share information with other educators and professionals.  Most teachers know about Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers, but Twitter is a goldmine of free information and resources! I'm only following about 30 accounts so far, but I've already found great resources I can use in the classroom. There are several accounts run by reputable educational organizations like Edutopia. These accounts frequently post links to studies and "best practices". I loved reading this article about strategies for systematically teaching social and emotional skills.  Personal Image from Twitter I have also followed a few individual teachers. They've posted some fun activities and lesson plan ideas in #edchats (educational chats).  Personal Image from T...
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Too Much Screen Time?

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I attended two barbecues with family and friends this past weekend. Everywhere I turned there was a little kid taking pictures, playing Pokemon Go, or watching YouTube videos on their parents' phones or their own iPads. Recently, I asked a student's mom how the student would handle their upcoming trip to Florida. The mom responded, "I know it's bad, but I just give her the iPad the whole time."  It seems indisputable that screen time for young children has increased over the past several years. We've all witnessed a busy parent placate their toddler with a smartphone or device.  But is it actually bad for the kids? How much has screen time increased? Is technology addiction a real thing?  Image from All4Kids.org Educators and parents may have their own beliefs regarding screen time and media use. Luckily, there are several research studies that have been conducted to answer these questions and back up our beliefs.  It is important for educators...
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Active Learning in the Classroom

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Active learning is when students are engaged in the learning process, and they are not simply listening and recalling facts. Students that are actively learning will be engaged in activities that target several learning styles. A learning style is how an individual learns material best- whether it be auditory, visual, or kinesthetic/tactile. Active learning strategies will include lessons and activities that target these different learning styles. This ensures students with different learning styles are able to access the material in ways that suite them. Find out your learning style here.  Teachers can also give a learning style inventory to students at the beginning of the year to see how a majority of their class learns best. Image from EdSurge What does active learning actually look like? Luckily, we live in the 21st century. There are amazing websites and resources that teachers can use to ensure students are actively learning.  One teacher had his third...
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